Oh Eddy

Today in class we began exploring Greek tragedy and what it's all about. Within the topic Ms. Karr assigned for us to read Odepius the King within the next week or so. Luckily for me, I was somewhat familiar with the work of Sophocles considering that I read Antigone in my English class last year. Odepius the King, though a different title than any of other Sophocles' plays, has practically the same plot as Odepius Rex. It was very similar to what I had read in sophomore year with the exception of the very specific stage and metrical directions.

We briefly glanced at some of the history involved in Greek theater. In that time, we focused on the works of the forefathers of Greek theater. In Ms. Karr's elaboration of each playwright, many of us were in a way, not fully entrigued. Personally, I've always felt that Greek theater is a bit too monolithic in its appearance. It can be intimidating for people who have not yet experienced it, and can even come across as dull. I realize that it is a topic that obviously takes a certain degree of understanding and appreciation; however, by the looks of kids today, it's highly unlikely that any will truly respond to it. Still, my teacher managed to spark my interest in one of Aristophanes's Lysistrata. As Aristophanes's most popular play, sex, or lack thereof, becomes a powerful bargaining chip of reconciliation. As war ravages across the might city-states of ancient Greece, a band of women, led by Lysistrata of Athens, make a pact to deny their husbands all sexual favors until they lay aside their weapons. When the men refuse to give in, a battle of the sexes as old as time begins. Since I've only recently borrowed the book, I have only been able to look over a couple of pages. Hopefully the time-relevant allusions won't slow me down.